The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by Ak-Chin Indian Community, raised a record $9,369,873 for local charities through proceeds raised from the 2016 tournament, Thunderbirds Big Chief Dan Mahoney announced today. This is the highest single-year charitable donation in tournament history, breaking last year’s total of $9,060,731, and marks the second consecutive year that The Thunderbirds have eclipsed $9 million in charitable dollars raised in a single year.
The Thunderbirds and the Waste Management Phoenix Open have raised more than $45 million ($45,742,241) for charities since 2010 when Waste Management became title sponsor. In its history, dating back to 1932, the Phoenix Open has raised more than $111 million ($111,788,807) for charities in Arizona.
“We are proud of our history of giving back to the community and excited that once again we were able to break the single-year record for charitable dollars earned through the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community,” Mahoney said. “Each year we receive outstanding support from Waste Management, as well as from corporate sponsors, volunteers and of course the fans, and we can’t do this without them.”
The 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open was another record-setting event, as three tournament attendance records were broken. For the week, 618,365 fans attended “The Greatest Show on Grass”, smashing last year’s record of 564,368. Additionally, single-day attendance records were broken on Friday (160,415) and Saturday (201,003).
“Waste Management couldn’t be prouder of our role as title sponsor of the ‘Greenest Show on Grass’ and one of the most charitable tournaments on the PGA TOUR,” Jim Trevathan, Waste Management executive vice president and chief operating officer said. “With increasing, and record breaking annual attendance, we’re pleased that so many charities benefit and the Waste Management Phoenix Open truly makes an inspiring difference from both a community and environmental standpoint.”
The 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community, also known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” will be held at TPC Scottsdale January 30 – February 5, 2017. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. Last year’s tournament broke three attendance records, including a PGA TOUR record 618,365 fans for the week. The 2017 edition will mark the 82nd playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the eighth as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
About Thunderbirds Charities
Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active” members and more than 250 “life” members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on Thunderbirds Charities, visit www.thunderbirdscharities.org.